The UK government and Ofgem have urged the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and network companies to accelerate delivery of the reformed grid connection process, warning that progress must match the ambition of the Clean Power 2030 mission.
In a joint open letter, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Ofgem said the next stage of the Connections Reform programme – issuing ‘Gate 2 to Whole Queue’ offers to developers – is “pivotal” to achieving clean power by 2030 and maintaining investor confidence in the UK’s energy transition.
The letter calls on transmission and distribution network operators to ensure updated connection offers are “compatible with Clean Power 2030 and take account of what developers want”, reflecting “a clear commitment by all networks to both ambitious and reliable delivery”.
Officials stressed that the success of the reform depends on “ambition and quality” from NESO and network operators, alongside the “timely and ambitious delivery” of enabling infrastructure. They said all parties must “do everything possible” to protect connection dates for projects due to connect in 2026 and 2027.
Ofgem and the government warned that the next few months will be critical, with Ofgem’s connections end-to-end review expected to propose tougher standards and accountability measures for network companies. They urged networks to take early action to deliver high-quality connection offers under the reformed system and ensure projects are delivered on time.
“Early action now will be critical to achieving the intended outcomes of the review,” the letter stated, adding that quality, ambition and timeliness must be achieved “in parallel” if the UK is to meet its Clean Power 2030 target.
The government said it has introduced “an ambitious package of legislative and regulatory reform” to accelerate network build times and provide certainty for delivery.
Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero Michael Shanks (pictured) and Ofgem deputy director Eleanor Warburton signed the letter, concluding that “by working together and maintaining a clear focus on ambition and delivery, we can achieve the truly transformative outcomes required to deliver Clean Power 2030”.